Mandela is a musical based on the life of Nelson Mandela, with music and lyrics by Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky, and a book by Laiona Michelle.

Mandela
MusicGreg Dean Borowsky
Shaun Borowsky
LyricsGreg Dean Borowsky
Shaun Borowsky
BookLaiona Michelle
BasisThe life of Nelson Mandela
Premiere8 December 2022: Young Vic, London
Productions2022 London

Productions

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Mandela began previews at the Young Vic Theatre, London on 30 November 2022, with an opening night on 8 December.[1] It played a limited run to February 4, 2023. A large number of performances were cancelled due to unprecedented levels of illness.[2] Cast member Adam Pearce suffered a stroke following a performance, which attracted wide-spread coverage of a fundraiser to aide his recovery.[3] Despite mixed critical reception, the production sold out the performances it played. Mandela had direction by Schele Williams and choreography by Gregory Maqoma, with additional music & lyrics by Bongi Duma. Hannah Beachler served as scenic designer, with costume design by Fay Fullerton and lighting design by Jon Clark. Sound design was by Paul Gatehouse, with projection design by Akhila Krishnan. Orchestrations were by Sam Young, and Sean Mayes served as musical director for the production.[4]

Cast and characters

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Character 2022 London
Nelson Mandela Michael Luwoye
Winnie Mandela Danielle Fiamanya
Vusi Gregory Armand
Bongani Zion Battles
Prime Minister Earl Carpenter
Warden Stewart Clarke
Nomsa Hanna Dimtsu
Adelaide Tambo/Evelyn Mase Lerato Gwebu
Praise Singer Prudence Jezile
Walter Sisulu Akmed Junior Khemalai
Gugu Blue Makawana
Susan/Erika Kayleigh McKnight
Thembi Mandela Posi Morakinyo
Albertina Sisulu/Maki Mandela Sneziey Msomi
Zeni Mandela Nomfusi Ngonyama
Joe Slovo Ryan O'Donnell
Kobus Adam Pierce
Kgatho Mandela Botlhale Phora
Ahmed Kathrada Shiv Rabheru
Piet Will Richardson
Zindzi Mandela Leanne Robinson
Oliver Tambo Ntsikelelo Nicholas Vani

References

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  1. ^ Gans, Andrew (30 November 2022). "Mandela Musical Begins Previews at London's Young Vic November 30". Playbill. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Young Vic reveals illnesses have cancelled half of Mandela shows so far". The Stage. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Fundraiser launched for Adam Pearce after stage star has stroke backstage at the Young Vic". WhatsOnStage. 18 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  4. ^ https://playbill.com/production/mandela-london-young-vic-theatre-2022
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